Advice for the returning golfer.

[SKMoss]

Hi gang.

I'm just returning from a long(12 year) hiatus from golf and am looking to fast track my recovery.

So far, it's bi-weekly lessons, 5 afternoons a week on the range (splitting time, 1/3 driving/irons, 1/3 pitching/chipping, and 1/3 putting. And a couple of rounds.

I've replaced the stuff that's been destroyed by 12 years in the garage in So Cal Desert heat. (Glove, shoes, etc).

Looking where to turn next. My driver is 1 step above a persimmon. So considering a move there. Iron's were custom built and are ok. But considering pulling a couple of long irons and replacing with hybrids.

Also looking at the GPS units. I've read a lot, and everyone (not many people) I talk to, who have used them swear by them. Thoughts?

And I'm looking at a stats package. I know the site likes ScoreCard, so I won't ask for other recommendations.

BUT.... Those of you who do track stats, which one's and why.

Anyone have a gut feel to what percentage of golfers track stats?

For those who don't, why? Don't care too? Too hard?

[Saint]

I know the golf shot on my ipod touch is pretty sweet on keeping stats. I went with a rangefinder, just haven't gotten it, missed the mailman on friday. I chose it, because it will always be accurate, and since i have my itouch, i have both. golflink has a way where you can enter all your info and it will give you your handicap.
And welcome back to the greatest game ever played.

[is2linda]

welcome back! As for the GPS, i would say it makes a huge difference in your game. A lot of people here like the range finder, but both devices are good. Eventually with the technology upgrades and such, i assume the GPS will get only better and better.

[quantim0]

I just started again after 6 years off. I'd replace your woods first. The technology leap from 6 years to now is crazy and you've been gone twice as long.

Buy last years or 2 year old models. You can save some serious money doing that.

[Bullitt5339]

As someone else just getting back into golf after a long break, I can relate. I played 2 rounds with my 12 year old driver, and then a friend offered me to hit his TaylorMade Burner, so I did, and the difference was immediately obvious. I went and bought one the next day.

I had 12 year old irons with graphite shafts, so I upgraded those with the X-22's with steel shafts, and I couldn't believe the difference in those either. Then I bought my new putter to replace my old one, and after getting used to it, I find that it's a lot easier to judge distances with it over my old one.

I downloaded the program from golfgps.com for my blackberry, and I'm going to play a round with it on Thursday, but from the reviews, it seems that most people like it and it's only $40 a year with nothing else for me to buy. I keep track of fairways, greens in regulation, and number of putts. I've found that the number of putts is consistantly going down, as my wedge play and putting comes back to me.

I found that the worst part about getting back into golf after so many years is that you forget about the long break, and after a round or two, you expect to be hitting like you were when you stopped. I used to shoot mid-high 80's, and now I'm barely breaking 100 again. First couple rounds were 130's.

[Dub]

Hi gang.

Welcome back to the game.....looks like you jumping back in seriously. I agree with the other's statements: keep the custom fitted irons/wedges for now. The new 460cc drivers are simply unreal. I've been back in the game 1.5 yrs now and am still amazed at these effective sticks. I hesitated replacing the 3 & 4 irons with hybrids....did it...and never looked back. It was a solid decision. There are numerous great options out there...many can be had for great sale prices now, too. There are so many ball choices out there that it can make you dizzy. Have fun trying different balls to find what you like.

[mbole]

For score tracking , I use oobgolf.com. It is pretty easy to use and tracks a lot of neat things.

[SKMoss]

I downloaded the program from golfgps.com for my blackberry, and I'm going to play a round with it on Thursday, but from the reviews, it seems that most people like it and it's only $40 a year with nothing else for me to buy. I keep track of fairways, greens in regulation, and number of putts. I've found that the number of putts is consistantly going down, as my wedge play and putting comes back to me.

Tried the golfgps program on my Storm. Screen wasn't bright enough to play and see easy. Let me know what you think.

[retexan599]

Hi gang.

You might consider having the clubs regripped; the heat may have affected the grips as well. I finally had mine replaced this spring and it did make a difference as I do not have to hold the club as tightly as before.

[Cussin hacker]

Welcome back!! Just got started back this year myself after many years off. All I can say is BE PATIENT. Also as I'm sure you've already noticed, technology is way ahead of where it was a few years ago. Good luck!!

[JetFan1983]

Welcome back. My only advice to you is to not go to crazy with all the practice sessions right now. Working hard in general is obviously great, but you can burn yourself out and get an injury if you try to get good at this game too fast (I am a good example of this).

Just try to have as much fun as you can, and take time off at the first sign of injury.